News Summary
The Leon County School Board has announced updates to cell phone policies in K-12 schools, aligning with Florida’s new House Bill 1105. Under the new guidelines, elementary and middle school students are prohibited from using phones during the school day, while high schoolers can use them with teacher approval. Additionally, safety measures include partnerships with local law enforcement and a zero-tolerance policy towards weapons and drugs. The district is also addressing a bus driver shortage, impacting transportation services for students.
Tallahassee, Florida – On August 8, 2025, the Leon County School Board shared important updates regarding cell phone policies for K-12 schools through an email titled “LCS Wireless Device Guidelines for Immediate Release.” These updates align with recent changes enacted by Florida’s House Bill 1105 (HB 1105), which introduces restrictions on cell phone usage for students across the educational landscape.
The new state law prohibits elementary and middle school students from using their cell phones throughout the entire school day. For high school students, the policy allows phone usage only with teacher approval during instructional time. However, they may use their phones between classes, during lunch, and before and after school hours. This initiative aims to foster a better learning environment by reducing distractions in classrooms.
Violations of this policy may result in consequences such as verbal warnings or the temporary confiscation of devices. The implementation of these guidelines is poised to enhance educational focus and limit interruptions during lessons. The school board encourages adherence to these new regulations as the first day of school approaches on August 11, 2025.
Superintendent Rocky Hanna underscored the importance of safety on the opening day of the academic year. Their commitment to ensuring a safe environment includes collaboration with local law enforcement authorities. Such partnerships promote safety measures and emphasize community involvement, encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities through a “see something, say something” initiative.
The district maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards weapons, drugs, and threats, assuring parents that student safety remains paramount. Furthermore, police efforts include the operation of speed cameras in school zones to enhance safety during arrival and dismissal times. Law enforcement has installed cameras in 26 to 27 school zones to monitor traffic speed, issuing fines to drivers exceeding the limits.
Students can also sign up for emergency alerts through the FOCUS student portal, allowing high schoolers to register their phone numbers for instant communication regarding emergencies. This effort aims to keep students informed and safe within the school environment.
In addition to cell phone policy changes, the district is currently facing a shortage of bus drivers, leading to the elimination of eight bus routes for the current school year. Despite this setback, the district clarifies that students are still permitted to ride buses even if they are not officially registered. Nearly 7,000 students have already registered to utilize school transportation services this year.
The pilot program established by HB 1105 will test the effects of full-day cell phone prohibitions in various high school settings, evaluating its impact on student learning and overall safety. This pilot initiative has generated mixed reactions among lawmakers, particularly concerning its implications on students’ ability to communicate during emergencies.
House Bill 1105 was enacted in the closing hours of the 2025 legislative session, prompting educational leaders to reflect on its potential benefits and drawbacks in relation to emergency communications and educational effectiveness.
As the Leon County School District prepares for the upcoming school year, these updates to cell phone use policy and enhanced safety measures demonstrate a commitment to cultivating a secure and productive educational environment for all students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leon County Schools Prioritize Safety as Students Return
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: LCS Implements New Cell Phone Use Guidelines
- Tallahassee.com: Things to Know as Leon Students Return to School
- Suncoast News: New Florida Law Bans Cell Phones in Elementary and Middle Schools
- Politico: Florida Floats Stricter Cellphone Ban for Students
- Wikipedia: Cell Phone Use in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
